Summer in the Golden State is the perfect time for playing on the beach, exploring California state parks and national parks, and enjoying theme parks. When planning your trip, check the tourist board website of your destination and you’ll likely find offers that either shave a little (or a lot) off your hotel rate or bundle in freebies and nice amenities. Here are 20-plus ways to add value to your summer getaway.
Early-summer gift card deal, Truckee
Enjoy a two-night trip to Truckee before June 21 and you’ll score a $100 Sustainable Truckee Gift Card, redeemable at 65 local businesses including Bike Truckee, FiftyFifty Brewing Co., and Word After Word Books. The deal is good at 12 Truckee hotels and resorts, and some proceeds support local stewardship projects such as an all-inclusive, adaptive dirt bike trail. Must complete travel by June 21.
LEGOLAND California kids tickets starting at $39, Carlsbad
Get a serious break on admission to the Carlsbad theme park. Buy one adult Hopper ticket (which grants you admission to the park plus the SEA LIFE Aquarium or Water Park) and you can add up to four kids’ Hopper tickets for $39 each. You can also get the deal when booking a stay at one of LEGOLAND’s onsite hotels, with an extra 20 percent taken off the room rate (and up to 40 percent off on Sunday nights). Good for kids ages 2–12 and for visits from Aug.12– Sept. 12.
15 percent off at The Shay for Pride, Culver City
Celebrating Pride in Los Angeles or San Francisco this month? In Los Angeles, consider staying at the Andaz West Hollywood, where you can join in on its Pride Pool Party, or at The Shay, Culver City, where you can save 15 percent off your rate (use the code PRIDE) and chill on the rooftop pool deck overlooking Downtown L.A.
If you’re joining the festivities in San Francisco, take 10 percent off your rate at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco by using the code PRIDE (good during the month of June).
Blooming Escape at Hotel Winters, Winters
Kick off sunflower season in Yolo County at Hotel Winters, which is offering this deal that packs in the perks. Rates start at $189 and include a $25 Visa gift card as well as 10 percent off at both the onsite restaurant and spa. You’re also walking distance from a complimentary wine tasting in downtown Winters. Good for stays on most dates through June 30.
Up to 35 percent off at Lighthouse Suites, Pismo Beach
The Central Coast town of Pismo Beach is beloved for its clam chowder, dunes, and good value. You have a front-row seat for beach fun, plus up to 35 percent off your rate, at this all-suites hotel that is extra-family-friendly thanks to its beachfront “playdeck” with badminton, mini-golf, and a playground. Some blackout dates apply; book by June 15 and stay by Dec. 31. Check out more hotel deals in Pismo Beach, such as the 4th night free at Dolphin Bay Resort (good through Aug. 29).
Daily Gift Cards for a Pacifica 'Workation,' Pacifica
Enjoy a getaway without sacrificing any vacation days at work by booking this deal from the town of Pacifica, located on the San Francisco Peninsula. Stay at one of the six participating hotels between Sunday and Thursday and you’ll get a $25 Shop Pacifica eGift card for each night you stay; the gift cards are good at upwards of 60 places and services around town, including restaurants, day spas, and surf lessons. All six hotels (including the Pacifica Beach Hotel) make great home offices, too, all offering their own versions of beach access or ocean views. Good for stays through August 30.
Up to 50 percent off for Educators at The Lodge at Sonoma, Sonoma
This Marriott Autograph Collection hotel in Sonoma is hosting its own teacher appreciation event with this deal that can be enjoyed by any employee of a school, district, or county office of education (just show your employee ID upon check-in). The $199 rate—which translates to about half off—is further enhanced by freebies such as complimentary use of cruiser bikes, daily wine tastings, and entry passes to nearby Jack London State Park. Good on select dates through August 31.
Any California local, meanwhile, can enjoy the hotel’s California Residence offer, which starts at about $300 a night and includes most of the same free amenities; good on select dates through Dec. 31.
4th night free at The Ranch at Laguna Beach, Laguna Beach
Tucked in a Laguna Beach canyon, The Ranch at Laguna Beach offers a good value, easy access to the beach across the street, and the nine-hole Ben Brown’s Golf Course. Stay four nights at the sustainability-minded resort and the last night is free when you use your MasterCard (or, use any credit card and get the fifth night free). The fifth night free deal is good through Sept. 6, and the fourth night free deal is good through Dec. 31.
When planning a trip to the Orange County town this summer, pick up a 2024 Passport to the Arts. You’ll receive one-time free admission to some of summer’s banner events—the Festival of Arts, Laguna Art-A-Fair, and Sawdust Art Festival—along with free one-time parking at a nearby lot with shuttle services.
40 percent off at Forest Suites Resort, South Lake Tahoe
Stay in a room, suite, or condo at this resort in the heart of Heavenly Village, which is walking distance from the gondola, hiking trails, and restaurants. The Summer Cyber deal package takes a whopping 40 percent off your rate for stays through Sept. 30; call 800-822-5950 to get the rate, based on availability.
Spring into Summer at Balboa Bay Resort, Newport Beach
Indulge in some self-care at this Forbes Four-Star, AAA Four-Diamond waterfront resort in Newport Beach. This deal includes a $100 resort credit, two complimentary cocktails, and a late checkout. Book before June 27 and stay by July 2.
$50 kids Disneyland admission, Anaheim
Disneyland Resort is making it easier to plan a summer trip to the Happiest Place on Earth. The 3-Day Disneyland Ticket Offer—starting at $149 for children and $249 for adults—averages out to $50 per child per day (ages 3–9), and $83 per adult per day. The rate goes up a little on weekends—$199 for kids and $299 for adults. The tickets will be available on the park’s website starting May 29, and can be redeemed on any three eligible days (and not necessarily in a row) from June 10 through Sept. 26, subject to park reservation availability.
Stay for at least four nights at an onsite Disneyland Resort hotel and you can save up to 25 percent on select dates at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel, the Disneyland Hotel, or The Villas at Disneyland Hotel (or up to 20 percent off on shorter weeknight stays). Book between May 29–Sept. 12 for stays from June 10–Sept. 26.
$400 resort credit at The Lodge at Torrey Pines, La Jolla
Located next to hiking trails and beach of the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, The Lodge at Torrey Pines offers a blissful resort stay. Book three nights with this deal and you get nice incentive to stay put and enjoy it: Use the $400 resort credit toward the eucalyptus-scented Spa at Torrey Pines or the two acclaimed restaurants overlooking the famed Torrey Pines Golf Course. Use promo code VIP400; book by Aug. 31 and stay by Dec. 31.
Check the San Diego Tourism deals page for more nearby packages, including deals at the Hotel Indigo San Diego–Gaslamp, where the new rooftop bar has views into Petco Park.
Up to 20 percent off at Omni Rancho Las Palmas, Greater Palm Springs
Summer in Greater Palm Springs brings lots of excellent pool time as well as fabulous deals, so a resort like Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa—with both a kid-friendly “Splashtopia” and an adults-only pool—makes a lot of sense. This deal takes 20 percent off a three-night stay and 15 percent off two nights; book your trip up until Sept. 2 for stays through Sept. 29.
$1 kayak tours, Redding
Redding is a prime spot for paddling, thanks in part to Whiskeytown Lake, where you can pay just $1 for ranger-led kayak or paddleboard tours this summer. About an hour away, in Lassen Volcanic National Park, pay a vehicle entrance fee of just $30 to enjoy a week’s worth of swimming and hiking at Manzanita Lake. Also, mark your calendars for June 19, Aug. 4, and Sept. 28, which are free-admission days at all national parks.
20 percent off at Napa Winery Inn, St. Helena
Make the most of a Napa Valley getaway by setting up your base at this low-key hotel in downtown Napa. This deal offers 20 percent off your rate for three or more nights, with the built-in freebies of continental breakfast and parking. Good through Sept. 30.
BOGO Tickets at Universal Studios Hollywood, Los Angeles
The TV-and-movies theme park in Los Angeles—which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this summer—is offering an excellent admission deal that lasts well into fall. Buy one general admission ticket for a date that you select while booking, and you get a second day free—to be used either the day after your first visit, or on another day before Dec. 18. Some blackout dates apply. Must book by Oct. 9, and use both days by Dec. 18.
Fun in the Sun Package at Pechanga, Temecula Valley
Choose from pool, golf, or spa time with this deal at the Pechanga Resort & Casino. The special includes an all-day cabana rental as well as a $100 poolside dining credit and $20 toward the casino. Some blackout dates apply but the deal is otherwise good on midweek dates through Oct. 27. Check out more nearby deals on Visit Temecula Valley.
$185 starting rate at Hilton Anaheim, Anaheim
Stay one mile from Disneyland Resort with this deal from the Hilton Anaheim. Rates vary by date, but we found pre-paid rates starting as low as $185—plus, you get 5 percent off single-day or multi-day Disneyland Hopper tickets, with hotel parking included in your rate. Good through Dec. 31.
Third night free at Terranea, Rancho Palos Verdes
Located atop ocean bluffs in Los Angeles County, Terranea Resort turns 15 this year and is celebrating with a few deals. The third night free deal is good for stays of at least three or four nights, with some blackout dates during the summer; use code OCEAN24. Or take an easy 15 percent off rooms and suites with the resort’s 15th Anniversary Deal (use code ANNIVERSARY; good through Dec. 31).
50 percent off a second room at Fairmont Sonoma, Sonoma Valley
Bring the whole crew for this family deal at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn—just one of the excellent deals available through Sonoma County’s website. When you book one room, you get the second at half off. Enjoy all the amenities at this plush resort that features a thermal-waters-fueled spa. Good for stays through December 31.
Election-year deals at the Citizen Hotel, Sacramento
Housed in a 1925 building in downtown Sacramento, the Citizen Hotel is close to the capitol building and exudes plenty of political-history ambience. Its Dive Into Democracy Deal includes candidate-specific art and coasters and a free cocktail based on your preferred candidate. If you’d rather stay out of the fray, go with the Discover Sacramento Package that offers 20 percent off at the restaurant, a free bottle of wine, and a 2 p.m. checkout. Ongoing.
20 percent off at Mendocino Inn & Farm, Mendocino
This sustainability-minded Mendocino County inn—home to a modern lodge, cottages, and an 1867 farmhouse—also has a day spa, wine barn, and wandering llamas. Save more the longer you stay—up to 20 percent for stays of four nights or more. Ongoing.
Up to 25 percent off at Shutters on the Beach, Santa Monica
Stay next to the sand at Shutters on the Beach, and enjoy a short walk to both the Santa Monica Pier and Pacific Park. The elegant beachfront resort is offering a range of stay-longer deals—like 15 percent off three nights or 25 percent off five nights—all topped off with a $100 resort credit. For shorter stays book the Park and Play deal, which includes a daily $50 resort credit as well as free valet parking. Ongoing.
Sweet Dreams Deals at the Kimpton Alton, San Francisco
This Kimpton in Fisherman’s Wharf provides a convenient launching pad for exploring the city, and its package deals offer opportunities for unique tastings. The Champagne Flights and Caviar Dreams package, for instance, includes a bubbly and Tsar Nicoulai caviar tasting as well as complimentary hotel parking and a $20 Uber credit (good through December 31).
If you need a vacation just to sleep, look up the hotel’s Leafy Dreams package, which features a sleep kit including eucalyptus pillow spray, a sleep mask, and Sensi 100mg CBD Chocolate Caramels, as well as a VIP experience at a local dispensary to learn more about CBD. The package also includes a complimentary upgrade and late checkout, as well as a $50 Uber credit and a 20 percent shopping discount (ongoing).
